June 16 through August 18, 2025

Cleveland Public Theatre, through Studio Institute, is offering an exciting opportunity for a graphic design student this summer to get firsthand experience in helping to elevate the theater’s internal and external design needs while learning the inner workings of a non-profit arts organization. 

The Graphic Design Intern will assist the Graphic Designer on designing the show image, postcard, flyers, and other materials related to our critically acclaimed Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP). They will learn how to develop materials by sitting in on possible rehearsals to learn what the story is about, and from that, they will collaborate with Audience Engagement and get feedback from the Education Department STEP Producers to develop the overall image of the show and other materials. They will also assist the Graphic Designer and Digital Strategy Manger in developing designs for social media posts.  

The intern will also assist and/or create signage and other materials based on the existing template design for Pandemonium, CPT’s annual fundraiser, depending on availability.   

They should also be prepared to pitch in on smaller projects, such as creating last-minute flyers for events and education programming. 

CPT typically expects interns to work up to 28 hours a week (total internship hours are 252), spread over four days. We are flexible with the specific hours, but the core work period will generally fall within the hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday (Saturdays can be included), as Fridays are intended for our Educational Days. Paid holidays include July 4 and June 19.

Compensation 

$20 per hour

Eligibility

Candidates must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and: 

• Currently enrolled as a full-time rising junior (current sophomore), current junior, or current senior graduating by fall 2025.  

• Reside or attend college/university within Cuyahoga County. 

You must have a Student Aid Index up to $6,250. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates must apply through Studio Institute by clicking here.  

Goals of Internship 

• Candidates will learn how to design a show image and the importance it plays in the initial engagement of an audience.  

• They will also learn how to communicate their ideas as well as pitch ideas with methods such as story boards.  

• They should be able to take constructive feedback, as it is a major skill to have in the marketing and theater world. 

Experience 

• Candidates should have basic design skill and be able to use InDesign, PDF Creative Suite, and other basic software.  

• They should also know basic layout and topography on the computer.  

• Other helpful skills include knowledge of short film editing on an iPhone and using basic computer software to edit short films for social media. Photography and videography skills are desirable, but not necessary.

About Cleveland Public Theatre 

CPT is a nationally recognized center for contemporary performance.  The theatre’s mission is to raise consciousness and nurture compassion through groundbreaking performances and life-changing education programs. CPT implements this mission through its annual theatrical season, featuring between 6–12 adventurous professional productions and a robust series of new play development programs that support writers and devisers at multiple points in the creative process. Historically, many plays produced at CPT are by BIPOC artists and women. CPT’s acclaimed education programs engage communities in devising new works that speak to contemporary issues and empower participants to work for positive change in our community. CPT is home to community ensembles Teatro Público de Cleveland and Masrah Cleveland Al-Arabi.